BY SAM ALFAN.
Former Laikipia MP Mathew Mempurkel has said his conviction without the option of a fine is unfair.
The magistrate court had sentenced him to a year in jail for assaulting
Laikipia North MP Sarah Korere in 2016.
He will lodge an appeal at the High Court seeking to be granted the option of a fine.
Principal Magistrate Helen Okwani also said the former MP did not produce evidence that he was the one assaulted by the lady which could have given the court an opportunity to acquit him.
The case had been lodged by Mrs Korere, who is his successor. She had also tabled a medical report and a P3 form which showed indeed she had been assaulted.
The witnesses who gave evidence said the former MP assaulted his political rival in a boardroom in their presence.
The court observed that there was an increase in violence against women in the country and the accused deserves the sentence as a lesson to others who prefer perpetuating violence.
Addressing journalists while being escorted to Industrial Area to begin his sentence, Mr Lempurkel linked his conviction to 2022 politics.
He accused his political opponent of fearing his popularity and thus using the legal system to block him from 2022 politics.
